Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons

"It wasn't your fault, Kitty," Lizzie says, her voice weary as she tries to look comforting. "It was a natural fear-related response."
Kitty squeezes her eyes shut, images of the battle plastered to her brain. Unable to see through the swirling ash. Connie lying, her legs stuck beneath a boulder. More gunshots thundering near them.
"Go!" Connie croaked. "Leave me!"
"No!" Kitty yelled. "I won't!"
The gunshots drew nearer and nearer, though, and before she knew it, she was running away, retreating to the forest where she fell to her knees and screamed wildly, the feral animal in her taking over.
"I fucked it all up!" Kitty sobs, staring at Lizzie with blank eyes. "It's all my fault that she died!"
Lizzie wraps her in her arms, petting the girl's head.
"It's okay, sweetheart," she whispers, even though they both know it isn't. "It's going to be okay."

How To Save A Life by The Fray

Lizzie sits on a rock, her feet chilled as she sweeps them through the frothy water. Tears drop on her white satin skirt.

"Where did I go wrong?" she whispers, staring with blurry eyes at the endless ocean. "How did I fuck up enough to lose the best friend I've ever had?"
She remembers driving to Kitty's house at midnight, feeling in her gut that something was wrong. Kitty's eyes were wide and dark.

"You need help," Lizzie insisted. "Please let me help you."
"Get the fuck out of my house!" Kitty roared.

She picked up a plate from the table and threw it in Lizzie's direction. It shattered against the wall. Lizzie, trembling with fear, ran from the house.
She remembers Kitty's pale, lifeless body in the coffin, more makeup on her delicate face than she would've ever tolerated.
Now, looking at the crashing waves, Lizzie stands.
"I deserve this," she says determinedly. "I was a coward, and now I must pay."
She walks farther and farther into the sea, her legs shaking, her heart pounding in her ears.

"I really hope I'm about to see you, Kitty," she whispers before she lets herself sink, breathing in the salty water and closing her eyes one last time.

Carry On by Fun.

Lizzie enters Kitty's house. She runs into the living room where Kitty is slumped on the couch, weakly raising a bottle of wine to her lips.
"I'm here, sweetheart," Lizzie says, her voice shaking.
She dashes over to the couch where she drops beside Kitty and gently eases the bottle from her hands.
"What's the matter, darling?" Lizzie asks softly. "What was with the urgent phone call?"

Kitty drops her head onto Lizzie's lap.
"Mom is worse now," she mutters, her voice slurred. "I don't know what to do. The cancer has spread everywhere. I just don't think I can carry on anymore."
"Oh, baby," Lizzie murmurs, running her fingers through the girl's violet locks. "It'll be alright. I'm right here."
"I don't even want to face the world anymore," Kitty whispers, her voice thick with tears.
Lizzie leans down, pressing her lips to the girl's head. Her eyes burn with the tears she is fighting to hold back. Kitty needs her to be strong.
"We can carry on," she says gently, squeezing Kitty's hand. "Together. I promise."
"Can we?" Kitty squeaks, her tears warm on Lizzie's lap.
"We can," Lizzie insists, determined to make her friend believe it. "I'll always be right beside you, helping you carry on. I promise. You'll never be alone, my dear. Never."

Smile Like You Mean It by The Killers

Kitty knows that she should be enjoying life. It's a wonderful world, filled with laughter, magic, and friendship. It's not Wonderland, though. There's a hole in her heart ever since they were forced to leave their home. Sometimes this world looks black and white. Even though she knows that there is color, she just can't see it.
"Smile like you mean it," Lizzie says, sounding exasperated as she attempts to take a selfie of them.
"What if I don't mean it?" Kitty grumbles.
"What?" Lizzie asks, shocked. "You aren't enjoying yourself? It's such a beautiful day."
Lizzie's beautiful green eyes stare at her, sparkling in the sunlight. She gingerly takes Kitty's hand, lightly stroking her fingers.
"What's the matter, darling? You look upset."
Kitty is thankfully able to vanish before a sob forces its way from her chest. She appears in a tree deep in the forest. She curls up on the sturdy branch and cries.
"I should be happy," she whispers, wiping her eyes. "I'm young, and I'm free. I have friends. I should be grateful. But-" she hiccups, "I miss home."

She desires Lizzie's warm arms wrapped around her, her soft, soothing voice that she adopts when somebody is upset. She can't tell Lizzie what is troubling her, though. Lizzie will get sad, too, and Kitty is not nearly as good at consoling people. She hugs the branch and lets the leaves brush against her face. For now, Kitty will just have to shoulder this pain alone. She should be used to it by now.

For Good from the musical Wicked (composed by Stephen Schwartz, performed by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel)

"I'm limited," Kitty says, her voice small. "Just look at me."
"I am looking, Kitty," Lizzie says sternly, gazing intently into the girl's eyes, trying to make her understand.
"Now it's up to you," Kitty says, stepping forward and taking Lizzie's hands, squeezing tightly. "I have to leave and never come back. Luther the Tyrant will kill you and everybody I care about if I don't."
Kitty looks down, her grip loosening. She blinks back tears. Lizzie, her eyes burning, holds on tighter.
"I've heard it said," she says, her voice choked, "that people come into our lives for a reason."
She sniffs, blinking the tears from her eyes.
"I know you came into my life for a reason, Kitty. You have taught me the most how to grow. You've helped me, supported me, loved me unconditionally. I know I am who I am today because I knew you."

She stifles a sob, letting go with one hand and covering her mouth. Kitty pulls her hand back into hers.
"It well may be," she says, her voice breaking, "that we will never meet again. In this lifetime. So just let me say, Lizzie, so much of me came from what I learned from you."
She lets her tears fall now, squeezing Lizzie's hands tighter.
"You'll be with me. Always. Like a handprint on my heart."
Lizzie sniffles, cracking a small smile.
"Your metaphors were always beautiful," she says, an adoring smile on her face.
Kitty smiles, gently wiping a tear from Lizzie's cheek.
"Our lives are stories," Kitty says. "And I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend. I wouldn't be anywhere near the person I am today if it weren't for you."
Lizzie lets out a broken laugh.
"Who can say if I've changed you for the better?" she hiccups.
"I have been changed. For good," Kitty says, staring into Lizzie's bright green eyes, hoping that she can somehow understand.

Lizzie seems to get it as she nods, squeezing Kitty's hands even tighter.
"Thank you," Lizzie whispers, "for being the best friend I could've ever asked for."
"Thank you too," Kitty murmurs.
In sync, they step forward and melt into each other's arms.
"I love you," Lizzie sobs, hugging her tightly.
Kitty kisses her lips, savoring the softness and sweetness, knowing she'll never experience it again.

"I love you too," she says as she pulls back, looking one last time at Lizzie's beautiful eyes.
Lizzie nods, trying to look brave. With one last glimpse at her beautiful queen, Kitty runs into the dark forest.

Mr. Brightside by The Killers

Kitty's eyes are glued to the scene unfolding in Lizzie's dorm room as the tree branch sways beneath her. She digs her claws into the wood, her chest hot. Daring is taking Lizzie's dress off as she laughs giddily, her arms around his neck. They drop onto the bed together, and Kitty still can't look away, no matter how much the sight is killing her. Lizzie lies on top of Daring, running her fingers over his broad chest. She leans in, kissing him deeply. Kitty shudders. She digs her claws into her arm, gritting her teeth as the physical pain somewhat quells the emotions stabbing her chest. They're under the covers now. All Kitty can see is the bed shaking. With a pounding heart and burning eyes, she slowly falls into a fitful sleep.

Chandelier by Sia

Kitty can't feel anything. All she cares about is the alcohol warming her body, the music reverberating through her skull. She dances wildly in the crowd of partygoers, swinging her arms and shaking her head. She doesn't care what people think. She needs this, the pleasant buzzing in her head, the adrenaline pumping through her veins.

When she wakes up the next morning, she isn't in her bed. She blinks, wincing at the pain stabbing her head. Lizzie is suddenly there, handing her a glass of water and two pills.
"Take this," she says shortly. "It'll help your head."
Kitty obeys her, sighing as the cool water soothes her aching throat. Lizzie sits on the bed beside her and stares at her, her face blank.
"I know you're not happy about this," Kitty says, her voice hoarse.
"How could I be?!" Lizzie exclaims. "Having my best friend carried into my house by her girlfriend who doesn't give a fuck at three in the morning?! Seeing you hungover constantly, in pain and joyless?! Why the fuck would I be happy about that?!"
Kitty swallows, casting her gaze to the blue sheets as the hot shame floods her chest.
"I don't feel anything, though," she whispers, unable to look up. "I can't. And I don't want to."

Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg

Lizzie walks through the frozen foods section, breathing in the scent of cinnamon that fills the grocery store. She forgot to get frozen corn when she was shopping yesterday, which is unfortunately the staple of the corn chowder she makes every Christmas Eve. She suddenly stops, a thrill racing through her. Is that who she thinks it is? The long, curly violet hair is unmistakable. She rushes forward, gently touching Kitty's arm.
"Kitty?" she says incredulously.
Kitty gasps as she recognizes Lizzie.
"Lizzie!" she exclaims, leaning in to hug her.
The contents of Kitty's purse spill. They both look at the pile before locking eyes and bursting into laughter.
"Oh my gosh!" Lizzie laughs as she bends over and helps Kitty pick up her belongings, stuffing them back into the purse.
They then hug properly. Lizzie breathes in Kitty's achingly familiar fruity scent.
"We need to catch up!" Lizzie exclaims.
"Yes! How about a drink?" Kitty suggests.
"All the bars will be closed at this time of night," Lizzie says.
Kitty smiles, taking a six pack of beer out of her cart.
"How about we go in my car and catch up there?"

Lizzie laughs.
"Sounds good."
Soon, they sit in Kitty's light blue Toyota minivan, each nursing a bottle of beer.
"Never thought you would have a minivan," Lizzie says, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment from the bizzarity of this experience.
Kitty shrugs, smiling sheepishly.
"It's my wife's," she says nonchalantly.
A wave of shock crashes through Lizzie's chest.
"Your wife?" she stutters, her cheeks burning hotter.
Kitty nods.
"Yep," she says, her cheeks also turning pink.
"How lovely," Lizzie says as she catches her breath. "What's her name?"
Kitty blinks before smiling brightly.
"Cecelia," she says softly. "She's an architect."
"That's cool," Lizzie says, not sure what else to say. "I always thought being an architect would be interesting."
Kitty nods.
"Yeah," she says.
They discuss their lives, trying to compress all the details into a concise explanation, which is easier said than done. Kitty talks about her wife who is pregnant with their first child and her job as a psychologist (Lizzie gapes at this). Lizzie stutters her way through the happenings of her life-her girlfriend Izzie, her job as a fashion designer, her work with Ashlynn to open their own boutique.
"Ashlynn," Kitty says distantly. "I haven't seen her in ages."
"Have you seen any of our other high school friends?" Lizzie asks.
Kitty shakes her head.
"No, I haven't."
They soon run out of beer and things to say.
"I should get going," Lizzie says.

"Merry Christmas, Lizzie," Kitty says, her voice soft.
Lizzie's heart seems to stop as she gazes into Kitty's ice blue eyes. Without thinking, she leans in, quickly kissing Kitty's cheek. Kitty looks at her, shocked. Lizzie clears her throat, looking down.
"Merry Christmas, Kitty."
She watches Kitty drive away, a long-hidden ache in her heart returning more swiftly than the falling snow. She doesn't know how long she stands there before the snow turns into rain. Shivering, she rushes to her car and drives home, ready to celebrate Christmas Eve with her girlfriend.

Somebody That I Used To Know by Gotye

"I can't believe she just completely cut me off!" Kitty hisses, looking furiously at Maddie who clearly doesn't know how to react. "That bitch had to fucking change her number!"
Maddie isn't allowed to be Lizzie's friend anymore. Kitty made sure of that.
"Nobody treats my friend like that," Maddie had said, "so okay."
"She said we could eventually still be friends!" Kitty exclaims, pacing around the room. "That was a bold-faced lie!"
"I'm sorry, Kitty," Maddie says quietly.
"Well, screw her!" Kitty suddenly explodes. "She's nobody! Nothing! She's just somebody that I used to know!"
Maddie's eyes are wide as she stares at Kitty.
"I don't need her love! She doesn't even know how to love! Her last name is Hearts, but I'll be damned-she doesn't even have a heart!"

You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

"Another fight?" Lizzie asks gently as she catches up with Kitty who is walking swiftly through the school halls.
Kitty nods, frowning.
"It's like whatever I say, it's wrong to her."
She doesn't get her humor like I do, Lizzie thinks bitterly.
"Well, it'll be okay," Lizzie reassures her.
She steps out of the way as Kitty's girlfriend, Ava, strutting in her high heels and sporting her revealing cheerleader's uniform, walks over to them. She slings her arm over Kitty's shoulder.
"Hey, babe."
With a quick smile at Kitty, Lizzie walks away, her heart aching.
The weekend comes, and Kitty and Lizzie are walking along the sidewalk, drinking their Starbucks coffees as they peer into the windows of little shops.

"I wish I could afford that dress," Kitty says, pointing at a sleeveless blue dress hanging on display that Lizzie agrees is beautiful.
Lizzie smiles. This is how it should always be, Lizzie thinks. Kitty and I. She mentally berates herself for even having that thought. They're friends, and that's all they'll ever be.

When Kitty calls her one night, sobbing because Ava dumped her, Lizzie is in her car, driving to Kitty's house before Kitty can even protest. Kitty lets her in, and Lizzie immediately hugs her.
"It'll be okay," she murmurs. "I'm here."
They sit on the couch. Lizzie, not knowing what else to do, cracks one of their inside jokes about the worst (or, actually no, the absolute best movie they'd ever seen). Kitty lets out a weak laugh. It's better than her crying, Lizzie thinks uselessly.
"Can you sing to me?" Kitty quietly asks as she lies her head on Lizzie's lap.
"Of course," Lizzie says, stroking the girl's hair.

Kitty is the only person Lizzie will ever sing for. She gently sings the most relaxing song she can think of, and soon Kitty is lightly snoring. Lizzie continues to run her fingers through her hair.
"I'll always be here for you, Kitty," Lizzie whispers. "I'm the one who understands you. I always will."